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[Scrooge McDuck]

Just be good to other people regardless of what they look like.

It really is only that simple.

The question raised by the article is basically "what would you do if those other people are racists?"

 

[TBiddy]

The question raised by the article is basically "what would you do if those other people are racists?"

What can you realistically do? I mean sure, you can do like Clinton and her followers did, but I'm not sure that's the right idea. You can have a discussion with them, but how many people have ever changed their opinion about something like this, because someone made a good argument?

 

[Spring-Loaded]

Doing some stuff. Looking for a volunteer opportunity, which is a little tricky because I'm disabled. But it sounds like I'm going to get something going with a local Muslim advocacy group; I have a connection there and it sounds like they can work with me. My wife would like to volunteer as well but I don't think she has started looking yet.

We are having a tete-a-tete this weekend to figure out how to allocate our monthly charitable giving. This is tough. There are so many worthy causes. We are definitely giving some money to the Trevor Project.

Reached out to some old Cultural Muslim friends and reconnected with them, had really good conversations with them and we want to do more to rekindle this friendship. One of them invited me to go to a vigil in Portland a few days ago but I could not go because I cracked a rib. :/ When it heals I will get back out there.

Continuing to talk all the time with my daughter about equality and racial issues and bigotry.

We will see what happens on Thanksgiving. My relatives in attendance did not vote for Trump thank god. But they have invited friends who are Trump supporters. I am not sure what I am going to do but I am giving it a lot of thought.

Also thinking about coming out to my parents as bisexual this weekend. It might even come out in the midst of angry conversation with these Trump supporters so I might tell them beforehand. As a bisexual disabled stay at home dad I am basically a worthless evil monster to Trump and Pence. They need to know that. But they don't have the most progressive views on LGBTQ stuff so I'm pretty fucking nervous about it.

And I will keep wearing my safety pin dangit. Just because I'm wearing one does not mean it is the only thing I am doing. I know a lot of people are down on it, think it's virtual signaling or even dangerous. But the Cultural Muslims I know are very grateful for the movement. Those people are desperate for any sense of safety. As long as it gives them the smallest shred of that, I will wear it.

Resubscribed to the NYT.

Not looking for a pat on the back here but that's my list, since the question was put out there. I am not a perfect ally. Sometimes I fuck up and do racist and/or dumb shit. I am not really doing much for Black people right now that doesn't involve arguing on the internet. I strive to be better.

Just wanted to say thanks for doing something and striving to do more which all that can be asked of someone. Don't let anyone give you crap for not appearing at physical protests or not volunteering—people forget that not everyone be can feasibly do that depending on finances, disabilities, location, etc.

 

[SuperGamer]

What can you realistically do? I mean sure, you can do like Clinton and her followers did, but I'm not sure that's the right idea. You can have a discussion with them, but how many people have ever changed their opinion about something like this, because someone made a good argument?

If that good argument is coming from someone they trust, then they'll listen and may change their opinions.

 

[Maxim726X]

I will try to do more.

This is a nice addendum to the Vox article. I hope people at least try to understand where POCs are coming from here.

 

[AlphaDump]

Ive waged a personal war with my own family for their lack of compassion and critical thinking. We are cut from the same cloth, so I know for a fact they are not rust belt blue collar worker type, they are arrogant and rich. They are dishonest and always have been.

I am also quite vocal about maintaining the facts in discussions with coworkers. Being a federal IT auditor basically removed the taboo in the room about Hillary Clinton's emails, and it was nice seeing the criminal argument get utterly destroyed by everyone.

 

[Messofanego]

What can you realistically do? I mean sure, you can do like Clinton and her followers did, but I'm not sure that's the right idea. You can have a discussion with them, but how many people have ever changed their opinion about something like this, because someone made a good argument?

Plenty. Challenging any trace of racism, destroying misconceptions with appeal to empathy and facts. Pointing out hypocrisies. Joining protests. Writing to your congress person. Gaining knowledge from minorities' perspectives through articles, books, or documentaries. Donating to charities.

A Gaffer compiled the list of donations one should consider making mentioned in Last Week Tonight:

Women's Health - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/
Women's Reproductive Rights - https://www.reproductiverights.org/
Climate Change - https://www.nrdc.org/
Refugee Assistance - http://www.refugeerights.org/
Racial Justice - http://www.naacpldf.org/
LGBT Rights - http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Latino Rights - http://www.maldef.org/

Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/
New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com
Pro Publica - https://www.propublica.org/

I'd consider PP and the NRDC as high priority, considering they want out of the Paris agreement and judges will probably gut Roe v. Wade.

And if you want even more: Progressive Organizations that Need Your Support, Now More Than Ever, in Trump's America

 

[Zakalwe]

I call out racism/intolerance whenever I can. I ask questions rather than attack viewpoints, I try to get the person(s) to explore why they hold the views they do. Sometimes it leads to a small epiphany, sometimes they just laugh it off or hunker down, but regardless I will always lend my voice at the very least.

 

[Pagusas]

most people i know would answer this thread with "I've got enough problems looking out for my self"

And thus the whole problem.

 

[Ripenen]

This type of stuff just perpetuates the "us" and "them" mentality that will continue to hold us as a country and society back. For every person that takes this message to heart, there are many more who get defensive, dig in their heels, and feel they're being attacked or feel they are somehow exempt.

"Why am I being blamed? I didn't vote for Trump."
"I'm not racist so this doesn't apply to me."
"Some of my best friends are black."
"What can I do?"

There is no we in these discussions and as such they aren't as productive as they should be.

 

[Messofanego]

This type of stuff just perpetuates the "us" and "them" mentality that will continue to hold us as a country and society back. For every person that takes this message to heart, there are many more who get defensive, dig in their heels, and feel they're being attacked or feel they are somehow exempt.

"Why am I being blamed? I didn't vote for Trump."
"I'm not racist so this doesn't apply to me."
"Some of my best friends are black."
"What can I do?"

There is no we in these discussions and as such they aren't as productive as they should be.

Well, those people need to drop their persecution complex and come to terms with the facts. Or just be honest and say they don't care about other groups of people. They don't want to donate to organisations, help out each other, and sacrifice a bit of themselves for the greater good? Then they're just not worth engaging with, and are part of the problem. They'll be seen as being on the wrong side of history, and will regret their current actions.

 

[Gattsu25]

Thanks for putting together this OP

Article was a great read and I'll be sharing it. Digging into the rest now.

Well, those people need to drop their persecution complex and come to terms with the facts. Or just be honest and say they don't care about other groups of people. They don't want to donate to organisations, help out each other, and sacrifice a bit of themselves for the greater good? Then they're just not worth engaging with, and are part of the problem. They'll be seen as being on the wrong side of history, and will regret their current actions.

.

 

[Ripenen]

Well, those people need to drop their persecution complex and come to terms with the facts. Or just be honest and say they don't care about other groups of people. They don't want to donate to organisations, help out each other, and sacrifice a bit of themselves for the greater good? Then they're just not worth engaging with, and are part of the problem. They'll be seen as being on the wrong side of history, and will regret their current actions.

So we leave those folks behind. What I'm asking is without buy-in from as many people as possible, can we effect meaningful and lasting change?

Edit: And we're not talking just about overt racists here. We're talking about all white people who aren't actively combating racism by doing things you mention. That's a very large group of people. I'm sure there are folks in this thread who have studied the civil rights movement much more than I have. What gave that movement the power to actually achieve meaningful change?

 

[Cagey]

This type of stuff just perpetuates the "us" and "them" mentality that will continue to hold us as a country and society back. For every person that takes this message to heart, there are many more who get defensive, dig in their heels, and feel they're being attacked or feel they are somehow exempt.

"Why am I being blamed? I didn't vote for Trump."
"I'm not racist so this doesn't apply to me."
"Some of my best friends are black."
"What can I do?"

There is no we in these discussions and as such they aren't as productive as they should be.

You don't even need those responses. You'll get plenty who decry those hypothetical responses as "white fragility" yet don't do anything themselves in their day to day life because its not talking about them; after all, they're mad woke online bro.

Go do something. Donate to the NAACP or MALDEF Legal Defense Fund at a minimum.

 

[shinra-bansho]

Based on some research, white people or men or straight people, as the nontarget group, are actually more like to reduce future prejudicial responses, and that doing nothing can influence others to do the same.

Perpetrator
When confronted, perpetrators are less likely to repeat similar expressions of prejudice in the future (Czopp & Monteith, 2003; Czopp, Monteith, & Mark, 2006; Dickter, 2012)
Bystander
Bystanders are influenced to condone or condemn prejudice based on responses of others (Blanchard, Crandall, Bringham, & Vaughn, 1994)

https://www.ncfr.org/sites/default/files/downloads/news/407_ncfr_2014_boes_pptx.pdf

Participants in two studies reported how they would feel, think, and behave after being confronted about either gender-biased or equivalent racial-biased responses. In Study 2, whether the confrontation was from a target group member (Black or female) or nontarget (White or male) group member was manipulated. Regardless of confronter status, allegations of racial bias elicited more guilt and apologetic-corrective responses and greater concern over having offended the confronter than similar confrontations of gender bias, which elicited more amusement. Target confrontations elicited less guilt but greater discomfort than nontarget confrontations and were associated with feelings of irritation and antagonism among more prejudiced participants. In addition, participants perceived a target’s confrontation as more of an overreaction than the same confrontation from a nontarget. The implications of these findings for prejudice-reduction efforts are discussed.

Czopp and Monteith, Pers Soc Psychol Bull April 2003 vol. 29 no. 4 532-544

Three experiments examined the effectiveness of interpersonal confrontations as a means for decreasing stereotypic responding. After making stereotypic inferences about Black individuals, participants were confronted and reactions were measured across various intrapersonal and interpersonal response domains. Confrontations varied in level of hostility (Experiment 1) and whether they were expressed by a Black or White person (Experiment 2). Results indicate that although confrontations (and particularly hostile ones) elicited negative emotions and evaluations toward the confronter, participants also experienced negative self-directed affect. Furthermore, regardless of who did the confronting or how much hostility was expressed, confronted participants subsequently were less likely to provide stereotypic responses (Experiments 1-2), and the effect of the confrontation generalized to reporting less prejudiced attitudes (Experiment 3).

Czopp, Monteith & Mark, J Pers Soc Psychol. 2006 May; 90(5):784-803.

Research has established that targets who express disagreement with prejudicial comments directed toward their social group may be viewed negatively by those they confront or by members of social outgroups. Less research has examined how non-target individuals who confront prejudicial remarks are perceived. The current studies were designed to examine how non-targets who confronted racist (Study 1) and heterosexist (Study 2) comments would be perceived as a function of the level of offensiveness of the comment and the confrontation style used. The studies also examined whether confronting behavior would affect perceptions of the individual who made the prejudicial comment. Undergraduate participants read vignettes depicting a situation with a high or low offensive prejudicial comment in which a non-target individual confronted assertively, unassertively, or not at all. Participants provided judgments of both individuals. Results indicated that non-targets who confronted highly prejudicial comments either assertively or unassertively were liked and respected more than those who failed to confront. Additionally, commenters who were assertively confronted were respected less than commenters who were not. These findings suggest that non-targets may be especially effective in confronting prejudicial comments, as they do not suffer the same negative consequences as targets who confront.

Dickter et al, European Journal of Social Psychology, 42, 112-119.

 

[The Last Wizard]

I hope this thread gains at least half the pages of the Vox article about racism full of constructive conversation. This is truly the answer.

These threads never do, they die out quickly. A lot of white people hate to acknowledge their part in white privilege and racism so it just goes no where. Plus who'd want to give up an advantage of any sort in life?

 

[SPEA]

Gaf's current favorite human being made his fortune through Seinfeld royalties.

"Follow the money"

 

[Always-honest]

i hear you, i lean towards #mayoboyz these days myself

Not sure what you are saying (it's probably funny but i fail to see it) but in general just using the terms Whites and Blacks just doesn't help imo. It sounds aggressive (to me at least).
White people and black people already sounds a lot better. At least then it seems like we're talking about people.

 

[jph139]

As a white straight male, I give my full moral support to any movement seeking to fight inequality amd oppression. I vote straight Dem in pretty much every election. I'll sign petitions, I'll throw some cash at Amnesty International now and again. I'll argue with someone on the side of Black Lives Matter if it comes up for sure.

But if you're going to ask more than that, I'm not gonna do it. I'm not going to pretend that's a moral choice. I'm not gonna call myself an ally. I'm just not going to bat for anyone outside of myself and a few people close to me. I'm selfish to the bone.

The unfortunate reality is that people are shitty and lazy. And they're really good at justifying their shitty laziness to themselves. No amount of moral imperative is going to change that. 90% of the white population, even the sympathetic white population, just is not going to show up unless there's something in it for them. Myself included. I'm not proud of that fact but I'm not going to pretend I'm different.

Black America - do not count on us. We are not a demographic that you can rely on. Assume the worst of white America and you'll save yourself a lot of disappointment.

 

[Ripenen]

Based on some research, white people or men or straight people, as the nontarget group, are actually more like to reduce future prejudicial responses, and that doing nothing can influence others to do the same.


https://www.ncfr.org/sites/default/files/downloads/news/407_ncfr_2014_boes_pptx.pdf

Czopp and Monteith, Pers Soc Psychol Bull April 2003 vol. 29 no. 4 532-544

Czopp, Monteith & Mark, J Pers Soc Psychol. 2006 May; 90(5):784-803.

Dickter et al, European Journal of Social Psychology, 42, 112-119.

Interesting difference between those studies and what we're talking about. In those studies an individual was confronted about actions that individual took.

In this case, we're talking about a very large and disparate group being confronted, and the response of the individual members of that group.

 

[Lord Thrappleper The 49th]

All I do is treat everyone equally with no biased judgements based on looks. Thats all I can do in regards to myself as a white guy with no real social or political standing.

 

[legacyzero]

Just be good to other people regardless of what they look like.

It really is only that simple.

This. I treat all fairly. I always try and be an example to my fellow whites. I constantly have the conversation with them, helping to educate on racism. Even the thin stuff a lot of white practice.

You'll be surprised to know how many folks take advantage of privilege, while blissfully unaware that they are. I do my best to help some understand that.

But I also won't admit that it's only whites that could do anything about it. Education from all races is important IMO. There was a thread here a while ago saying that it's not the job of Black people to educate whites on racism and culture. And while I totally agree, I still think it's necessary because of what I mentioned earlier.

You aren't born a racist. You're born INTO it. And most often unaware of it. Besides, I love understanding more about race. Before 2008, I was mostly indifferent to racial issues. Always stuck to treating everyone fairly. But now that I know more, it helps me to have the conversation. To pass the message.

 

[Messofanego]

So we leave those folks behind. What I'm asking is without buy-in from as many people as possible, can we effect meaningful and lasting change?

Edit: And we're not talking just about overt racists here. We're talking about all white people who aren't actively combating racism by doing things you mention. That's a very large group of people. I'm sure there are folks in this thread who have studied the civil rights movement much more than I have. What gave that movement the power to actually achieve meaningful change?

Of course we can. The civil rights movement worked because people went out and became recognisable, so that the majority could see them as fellow human beings when before their voices were never heard. Formed a grassroots campaign, helped the poor, knocked on doors, basically what any political candidate would do to get their message out. Donate to organisations that need help in these areas (like the above list). Spread the message among family and friends. They made manifestos. Plans of action. Leaders were appointed who stuck to their word and didn't back down in the face of adversity. Arrests and physical assault, among other ways of abuse. Talk to the other side by going to their regular stomping grounds, question and find common ground even if races, identities, or politics were different. Make and join protests in front of relevant places, make those placards that send out a clear message. Become publicly known by going on media or being invited to the highest offices for, of how to deal with the issues. Form bills to help, and get them passed. This is just off the top of my head as not the most educated on these movements, so I'm sure it's not the most cogent or accurate summary but at least I tried.

 

[kiunchbb]

I am not white, but let's be realistic here. Why would anyone gave up their own advantage for others? Capitalism is inherently competitive, people will utilize every advantage they can find to reach a better place than another.

Nobody will thank you or even know you made the sacrifice. You are not even going to be feel good about yourself, because the effort you made, while important, its not going to make even a tiny dent on the problem as a whole.

Even if one day racism disappear, minority wouldn't hold a parade for white people.

What is the incentive? All you going to get is white people agreeing with you, or may be join a few rallies, because people feel good doing those kind of things; then 4 years comes around they'll votes for Trump because "economic policy".

 

[Pai Pai Master]

As a white straight male, I give my full moral support to any movement seeking to fight inequality amd oppression. I vote straight Dem in pretty much every election. I'll sign petitions, I'll throw some cash at Amnesty International now and again. I'll argue with someone on the side of Black Lives Matter if it comes up for sure.

But if you're going to ask more than that, I'm not gonna do it. I'm not going to pretend that's a moral choice. I'm not gonna call myself an ally. I'm just not going to bat for anyone outside of myself and a few people close to me. I'm selfish to the bone.

The unfortunate reality is that people are shitty and lazy. And they're really good at justifying their shitty laziness to themselves. No amount of moral imperative is going to change that. 90% of the white population, even the sympathetic white population, just is not going to show up unless there's something in it for them. Myself included. I'm not proud of that fact but I'm not going to pretend I'm different.

Black America - do not count on us. We are not a demographic that you can rely on. Assume the worst of white America and you'll save yourself a lot of disappointment.

Well this is depressing as fuck. But at least you can admit to not really giving a shit.

 

[Norns]

The Root seems to be combating racism with racism. Quite a few very questionable articles on that site.

 

[Enzom21]

The Root seems to be combating racism with racism. Quite a few very questionable articles on that site.

Examples?

 

[Count Dookkake]

you're the one who brought those issues up, though - and used them to dismiss the thesis statement of the thread. and if you don't disagree about overlap/intersectionality, then why ask that question at all?

Um, of course I brought those issues up. I mean, how else to complain about something unless I point it out?

Me: "Hey, this thing is bad because of X"
You: "Why do you believe in X?"
Me: "I don't believe in X"
You: "Why did you bring up X?"
Me: "Because it is bad."

I am not using these issues to dismiss the thesis, but rather dismissing the thesis because it exemplifies these issues. I do not think I can craft a sentence that makes this premise any simpler.

Asking that question doesn't preclude understanding intersectionality.

If you are still confused, just go back and read my specific wording. I am only saying what I said and have no interest in dealing with any straw men, accidental or intentional. If after that, you still don't get it, oh well.

 

[BstnRich]

I generally avoid hiring white people, because they suck as employees.

Does that make me helpful or racist?

It would make you prejudice against white people.

 

[IrishNinja]

You are not even going to be feel good about yourself, because the effort you made, while important, its not going to make even a tiny dent on the problem as a whole.

Even if one day racism disappear, minority wouldn't hold a parade for white people.

What is the incentive? All you going to get is white people agreeing with you, or may be join a few rallies, because people feel good doing those kind of things; then 4 years comes around they'll votes for Trump because "economic policy".

But if you're going to ask more than that, I'm not gonna do it. I'm not going to pretend that's a moral choice. I'm not gonna call myself an ally. I'm just not going to bat for anyone outside of myself and a few people close to me. I'm selfish to the bone.

Black America - do not count on us. We are not a demographic that you can rely on. Assume the worst of white America and you'll save yourself a lot of disappointment.

defeatism, the heart of every social movement

This type of stuff just perpetuates the "us" and "them" mentality that will continue to hold us as a country and society back. For every person that takes this message to heart, there are many more who get defensive, dig in their heels, and feel they're being attacked or feel they are somehow exempt.

"Why am I being blamed? I didn't vote for Trump."
"I'm not racist so this doesn't apply to me."
"Some of my best friends are black."
"What can I do?"

There is no we in these discussions and as such they aren't as productive as they should be.

white fragility aside, that last question about what can i do is quite literally answered in the OP that so few of ya'll in here seem to want to indulge

If after that, you still don't get it, oh well.

it's not that deep - you literally brought up other social issues as isolated and attempted to dismiss the thread's point by mocking & checking another gaffer about how many hours he puts into those causes. you later seemed to acknowledge internationalist, which really only makes this sophistry more transparent:

All we ask is that, finally, for once, white folks shoulder some of the burden of overcoming oppression when it isn't convenient for them.

Can you be counted on to protect abortion, gay marriage, trans rights, the environment, the blue collar worker, etc?

How much time have you devoted to each this week? How do you justify any free time that you have in the face of these concerns?

i.e., why should i care about your cause if you don't have receipts on a few i just grabbed
if this is any way strikes you as engaging in good faith rather than being needlessly dismissive & showing no interest in the actual discussion at hand, oh well

 

[Shadybiz]

A bit late to this.

...I don't really know that a whole lot can actually be done, because in most instances, these are going to be thoughts that are ingrained into peoples' heads, mostly from their families, environment, etc, and no amount of Facebook posts arguing the fact are going to change that. It IS important to call out racism when you see it, and it IS important to provide people with reasons as to why this is bad, hurtful, etc.

....I think that maybe one of the best ways to combat this is...exposure. And that sounds like a nasty word, I know, but, context:

I have a friend (white) who went to West Virginia University back in the 90's. One of the people in his dormitory hallway was born and raised in rural WV, and happened to be roomed with a black guy. During the first week, my friend met up with the rural guy. The rural guy said to him "You know what, I've never actually seen a black person, other than on TV. I thought they were all terrible. But you know what...THEY'RE JUST LIKE US!!"

...I just get this image of Larry the Cable Guy, in his flannel shirt, saying "THEY'RE JUST LIKE US!!" (which is kind of stereotyping on WV residents by me, and I'm sorry for that).

But that's the thing...I think that probably quite a few racists may have never even actually had to interact with people of another race...and I think that if they were given that opportunity...maybe we wouldn't have so many problems.

How to make that actually happen on a wide scale...I have no idea. Rather than "exposure," let's say..."perspective." This guy gained perspective, and a change in his views happened during the course of a week. And I think that if more people were able to gain perspective, we'd have a lot less of a problem than we do now. I just...don't know how to make that happen.

 

[TBiddy]

If that good argument is coming from someone they trust, then they'll listen and may change their opinions.

I often discuss politics with my friends and my girlfriends. Usually in a pretty constructive matter, but a few of my close friends have pretty strong feelings towards immigrants, and even though we discuss it, they are beyond 'saving', or whichever word you prefer, and thus there's no real point talking about, since none of us will budge.

Plenty. Challenging any trace of racism, destroying misconceptions with appeal to empathy and facts. Pointing out hypocrisies. Joining protests. Writing to your congress person. Gaining knowledge from minorities' perspectives through articles, books, or documentaries. Donating to charities.

It does sound nice and all, but if I had to challenge "any trace of racism", I'd be busy all day, and I, to be honest, have other things to do at work and in my sparetime than to challenge anything I hear that can be viewed in a racist way. Besides, people would probably think of me as an obnoxious asshole after a few days.

I'm not American, and thus I don't think any congress man would really care what I wrote. But I get your point, and see where you're going. But to be brutally honest, I just don't think it's very realistic, considering the time and energy you need to invest, combined with the fact that a large part of the population in all countries will think you're an asshole, when you keep telling them how their views are wrong. If those people also happen to be your co-workers, people you know or just random strangers on the street, how do you think your days will be?

In my mind, you can't get rid of racism overnight. Rome wasn't build in a day. If you really want to change the world, you need to start with the youngest generation. It's next to impossible to get 'old' people to change their mind about issues like these.

And yes, I'm very cynical.

 

[mrhyderager]

Let's preface with the fact that everything on this thread is anecdotal - everything. What I'm about to say included.

I'm in full support of equality, on all fronts. Even if that means giving up what privilege I've got. I don't know quite how much it's benefited me, but nonetheless. If there's a place to sign to hand that over point me in the direction.

I'll donate to causes, I'll call people out on their blatant bullshit, I'll vocally support things I agree with. Asking white folks to actively seek out and destroy racism? How many POCs actually participate in that themselves - not to say that the onus is on them to do so - but still, how can white people be expected to be proactive in defense of people who do not seem to do so on their own behalf? There has to be a paradigm shift.

Part of that shift has to be ending the practice of painting the entire white population as varying shades of fragile, persecution complex-having, racists. That's polarizing. And I understand that's not what anyone wants to hear because it's not the "right" answer, but it's also the truth.

 

[hodgy100]

Im going to try and become more involved in local politics in the UK. Im worried about the way things are going and i dont see any other way to make tangible change.

 

[SuperGamer]

I often discuss politics with my friends and my girlfriends. Usually in a pretty constructive matter, but a few of my close friends have pretty strong feelings towards immigrants, and even though we discuss it, they are beyond 'saving', or whichever word you prefer, and thus there's no real point talking about, since none of us will budge.

If they're older folks, then it's harder for people to change. But it they're millennials, then there's hope. However, taking an aggressive approach can backfire. So a slower, softer approach would be better.